as in preparatory
coming before the main part or item usually to introduce or prepare for what follows
we need to do some preliminary research in order to properly focus the experiment
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in prelude
a performance, activity, or event that precedes and sets the stage for the main event
a meeting to discuss seating arrangements that was merely a preliminary to the formal negotiating sessions
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of preliminary
Nick Valencia, CNN Money, 17 Apr. 2025
Last week, as my colleagues Tony Briscoe and Hayley Smith reported, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health released preliminary test results from hundreds of soil samples collected in areas affected by the Palisades and Eaton fires.
—Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2025
Arpon Basu, The Athletic, 17 Feb. 2025
Sophomore Charlie Cutts was the only Saber to make the finals (top eight) in an individual event from the preliminaries Feb. 21.
—Tom Schardin, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preliminary
Adjective
The extent of the injuries is unclear, according to the law enforcement sources, citing preliminary reports.
—Nick Valencia, CNN Money, 17 Apr. 2025
Last week, as my colleagues Tony Briscoe and Hayley Smith reported, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health released preliminary test results from hundreds of soil samples collected in areas affected by the Palisades and Eaton fires.
—Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
And just by being around his Team Canada teammates, Crosby is doing what Iginla and others did for him back in 2010, when Canada lost to the U.S. in the preliminaries and beat it in the gold medal game.
—Arpon Basu, The Athletic, 17 Feb. 2025
Sophomore Charlie Cutts was the only Saber to make the finals (top eight) in an individual event from the preliminaries Feb. 21.
—Tom Schardin, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preliminary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preliminary
Adjective
-
To qualify for the offer, high school seniors in Riverside County must meet the college preparatory courses (A-G requirements) that both Cal State and the University of California require for admissions.—
Michael T. Nietzel,
Forbes,
2 Nov. 2024
-
The overdraft rule, which the consumer bureau finalized in December after years of preparatory work, was scheduled to take effect in late 2025.—
Stacy Cowley,
New York Times,
27 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The city’s live music series, presented by the Downtown Sacramento Partnership, is a prelude to summer, bringing Sacramento natives and visitors together to celebrate and support the local talent produced in Sacramento.—
Marcus D. Smith,
Sacbee.com,
18 Apr. 2025
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This investigation is a likely prelude to Trump’s tariffs to come.—
Nathaniel Weixel,
The Hill,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The introductory model features an Iceco fridge, Dometic Go water storage and faucet system with removable inset sink basin, cutting board worktop, and dual-burner Cook Partner gas stove that fits atop the drawer.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
21 Apr. 2025
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Four years ago, Robin Thurston, a new owner of Outside, hosted an introductory meeting with the staff of the magazine.—
Rachel Monroe,
New Yorker,
18 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Preliminary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preliminary. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.
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